DIY: Floor Plate Tripod for Low Angle Shots

"Sometimes, for various reasons, you need to shoot from a very low vantage point," writes James Burger on DIY Photography. "The shortest tripod I own is sometimes still not quite short enough, and handholding is not always an option."

That's why Burger put together an inexpensive floor plate tailored specifically for his needs. It cost $20 in all and it's simple enough. You'll need a piece of steel, a piece of wood , a bit of scrap rubber and some epoxy.

To ensure complete stability, Burger says that you'll need a bit of welding done. He swung over to a local metal shop to have the job done.

Check out the full tutorial including a great animation of the project being assembled over at DIY Photography.